Revenge of the keggers: Teen partying hereditary

Hey, Mom and Dad, if you partied hearty lo those many years ago at your high school prom, you are more likely to let your kids do the same, according to a study by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the MetLife Foundation.

Among parents who drank or abused drugs on these occasions, 66 percent set a "zero-tolerance policy" for their teens. However, among those who did not drink or do drugs, a larger percentage - 87 percent - set the same policy.

In addition, parents who abused drugs or alcohol are more likely (51 percent) to suspect teens will indulge in substance abuse at prom or graduation parties than parents who refrained (36 percent).

The survey found that, when parents talk to their kids about alcohol and drug abuse, teens take their parents' messages to heart.

"Parents can't let past drug use or personal experiences at their prom parties influence their attitudes toward their kids' use today," said Steve Pasierb, president and chief executive officer of the Partnership.

"The drug-abuse landscape teens face today, which includes abuse of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, is drastically different than when today's parents were teens.

"We know that parents are the greatest point of leverage in preventing drug and alcohol abuse, and this survey reinforces the fact that kids live up to parents' expectations, as well as down to them."

Kelton Research, along with the Partnership and MetLife, conducted the survey of 1,003 parents and 1,000 teens in grades 9-12.

Check out drugfree.org for practical tips and information to educate parents and caregivers about drug and alcohol abuse. 